after that she was off to get a law degree in washington. while working in d.c. she acquired a reputation as a smart, up and coming lobbyist. then in 1999, her professional life took a turn toward the personal side. she met the young first term republican representative, paul ryan. >> she was very starry-eyed, very smitten with him. i think he with her. they both have a lot of similar interests and a lot in common. there was not any conflict at all between them. i think in regards to their interests, their backgrounds, what they held important for their futures. >> reporter: he took her hunting, proposed at a favorite fishing hole, and they married a year later. leslie was a bridesmaid. the wedding? >> beautiful. >> reporter: the ryans set up house in his hometown in wisconsin, raising three children with an old-fashioned vision of the american dream. >> janna and i, liza, charlie and sam, america is a place where if you work hard and play by the rules, you can get ahead. >> reporter: in terms of politics, they speak with one voice. his. she grants virtually no i